What the Broncos need in the 2023 NFL Draft to improve their defense

With the regular season over, and the Denver Broncos not heading to the playoffs, it means we are officially in draft season! I’ve said it multiple times, but it bears repeating, the regular season is a grind, and the draft season is a joy.

In this article, I’m going to examine what the Broncos need on the defensive side of the ball. Unlike their offense, the Broncos defense had an outstanding season as one of the best units in the league. However, nothing lasts forever, and the Broncos need to prepare themselves for the future by replenishing talent on their defense. In fact, there are needs on the defense that might be larger than most want to admit at this time. The draft is the best place to add the talent they need to maintain their high level of play.

So, what do the Broncos need in the draft? Let’s take a quick look at those positions of need on the defensive side of the ball.

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Edge

When the Broncos traded away edge Bradley Chubb, they created a hole on the defense they’ll need to address this offseason. Yes, I do appreciate young talent already here like Baron Browning and Jonathan Cooper. However, you can never have too many pass-rushers and the draft is the best place to get them.

I think the Broncos might target an edge player in the first round. It depends on which OT falls to them, but they’re drafting late in the first and that means they need to have options. When I look at the overall makeup of this team, I think EDGE might be their second-largest need behind what they must add on the offensive line. There is a possibility that OT dried up late in the first, so a player like Kansas State’s Felix Anudike-Uzomah could be an option. Anudike-Uzomah has the three “B’s” to his game on the edge – balance, bend, and burst.

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Inside Linebacker

For years, I’ve wanted the Broncos to address their inside linebacker position through the draft but that hasn’t happened. They have passed over elite level ILBs time and time again, so I’m not about to think they’ll draft one with a premium pick this year. With only a couple of premium picks (I consider Rounds 1-3 the premium), the Broncos need to be cautious with what they spend on what positions.

Plus, I like what Josey Jewell has done this season. He’s improved in coverage responsibilities under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Jewell is still not great in coverage, but he’s closer to the right spot than he used to be and I like the way that looks for now. Alex Singleton may be kept as a free agent, and he’s certainly a tackling machine (as I expected). He’s not as good in coverage as Jewell (who again is not great), so drafting an uber-athletic linebacker prospect on Day 3 of the draft makes sense. Drew Sanders (Arkansas), a former 5-star recruit for Alabama, looked good in his lone season as an off-ball linebacker for the Razorbacks. His length and athleticism make him great as a coverage linebacker who can play close to the line of scrimmage to stuff the run.

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Cornerback

This is a need that might not be as large as some think, but I’m always for adding talent to the cornerback room every year regardless of the talent level therein. Patrick Surtain is one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and I think K’Wuan Williams might be the best slot corner in the league when healthy. The Broncos must decide on the player outside who plays opposite of Surtain in 2023. That could be Ronald Darby on a restructured deal, or it could be Damarri Mathis with a larger role. Either way, the depth at corner – especially if Darby is released and not restructured – will need to be addressed.

It’s an early swipe, but I have almost 10 cornerbacks in my top 50 prospects this year. That could change, but all signs point to this being a top-heavy class at the position. Yes, players could slide but there is enough talent there to find a quality depth corner (at least) on Day 3. Remember, Tariq Woolen (who I loved as a prospect) was a Round 5 pick the Broncos passed on last year – and Woolen led the league in interceptions (6) as a rookie. Julius Brents (Kansas State) has the length (6-feet, 4-inches) to match Woolen, but he does not have the 4.2 speed Woolen does. However, Brents is an option if he’s on the board early on Day 3.

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Defensive Line

The old saying goes ‘the battle is won in the trenches’, and nothing could be truer when it comes to NFL football. The Broncos have a good defensive line but strengthening that unit with some young talent is what smart teams will do. The defensive line may be in flux anyway based on who the team could lose in free agency. Two of their best players, defensive ends Dre’Mont Jones and De’Shawn WIlliams, will be unrestricted free agents.
I think Jones could be franchise tagged this offseason. That gives the Broncos until mid-July to get a long-term contract done. I would like to see Williams extended an offer, but it only takes one team to outbid the Broncos and he’d move on. Because those two situations are up in the air, the Broncos should plan on defensive line picks on the final day of the draft. I like Siaki Ika (Baylor) as a space eater on the line, but he’s got the athleticism to get penetration up the middle.

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